Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

May 9, 2002 · Piper Aerostar 602P · N61RG

Albuquerque, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 9, 2002
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (4 uninjured)
Location
Albuquerque, NM
Aircraft
Piper Aerostar 602P
Tail Number
N61RG
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW02LA142

The airplane was on final approach for runway 3 at about 300-400 feet agl when the left engine lost power. The pilot performed a missed approach due to his inability to keep the airplane aligned with the runway with the loss of engine power and the crosswind conditions. The airplane was losing altitude and the pilot feathered the propeller. Subsequently, the pilot retracted the flaps and the landing gear. By this time, the airplane was at a low altitude, and the pilot delayed performing the landing gear extension procedure. The landing gear did not lock prior to touchdown on the runway, and the airplane landed wheels-up, and slid to a stop. The wind was from 140 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots. The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's delayed extension of the main landing gear prior to the landing flare/touchdown, which resulted in a wheels-up landing. A contributing factor was the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

Full Narrative

On May 9, 2002, approximately 1147 mountain daylight time, a Piper Aerostar 602P, twin-engine airplane, N61RG, landed wheels-up at the Albuquerque International Sunport Airport, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The airplane was owned and operated by Norris Aviation, LLC, of Goddard, Kansas under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The private pilot and his three passengers were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. An instrument flight rules (IFR) plan was filed; however, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the destination airport. The flight departed Wichita, Kansas, approximately 0924. The pilot and passengers reported that the airplane was on final approach to runway 3 (10,000 feet long and 150 feet wide) in turbulence and a "strong" crosswind. At about 300-400 feet agl, the left engine lost power. The pilot elected to performed a missed approach due to his inability to keep the airplane aligned with the runway with the loss of engine power and the prevailing crosswind conditions. The pilot performed the emergency procedures and selected the fuel cross feed position. The engine tried to restart; however, it did not restart. The airplane was loosing altitude and the pilot feathered the propeller. Subsequently, the pilot retracted the flaps and the landing gear. By this time, the airplane was at a low altitude and the pilot delayed performing the landing gear extension procedure. The landing gear "did not lock in time." The airplane landed without the gear fully extended, and slid to a stop. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane. The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, found structural damage extending along the lower fuselage skin and support structures from aft of the nose landing gear to forward of the aft baggage compartment. Torsional twisting on the right propeller blades was consistent with the right engine developing power when it contacted the runway; however, both propellers were found in the feather position at the accident site. The inner main gear doors, which stay open until the down locks are fully locked, were damaged, and the left one was found separated and laying under the airplane. The fiberglass of the left wing tip exhibited scrapes. The reason for the loss of power on the left engine was not determined. At 1156, the Albuquerque weather observation facility, reported the wind from 140 degrees at 13 knots with gusts to 17 knots. Visibility was reported at 10 statute miles, with a temperature of 19 degrees Celsius ( 66 degrees Fahrenheit), and a dew point of -2 degrees Celsius ( 28 degrees Fahrenheit). The clouds were reported scattered at 25,000 feet, with the altimeter setting at 30.12 inches of Mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:47 MDT
Nearest AirportAlbuquerque Intl. Sunport (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length10000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper Aerostar 602P
Tail NumberN61RG
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines2
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · TIO-540-U2A · Reciprocating · 350
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (4 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured4
Total4
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 13 kt, gusting 17 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 28 C
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time17:56
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data